smee1 dial. and U.S.
(smiː)
[Prob. a later form of smeath. It is not clear how either form is related to early mod.Du. smeente (Du. smient), LG. smênt widgeon, G. schmi-, schmü-, schmeiente a small wild duck.]
1. A name variously assigned to the smew, widgeon, pochard, and scaup-duck.
| 1668 Charleton Onomast. 100 Boscas Mergens, the Diving Widgeon; in Norfolcia, the Smee. 1889 H. Saunders Brit. Birds 463 The Smew, or Smee—sometimes called Nun..is the smallest member of the genus. 1893 [see smeath 1]. |
b. smee-duck, a pochard.
| 1862 Johns Brit. Birds 516 On some parts of the coast of Norfolk I found that they are included with the Wigeon under the common name of ‘Smee-Duck’. |
2. U.S. In New Jersey: = smeath 2.
| 1888 G. Trumbull Names & Portr. Birds 38. |